Luke 2:34-35 And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel… It may be profitable for us, then, to inquire: I. IN WHAT MANNER DOES THE GOSPEL BECOME A DETECTOR OF THE HEART? There are two ways in which this detection and unveiling are most apparent and most important. 1. By its authoritative conveyance of truths and facts, it detects and prostrates the pride of human reasoning. 2. By the requirement of an uncompromising decision of character. Let us now inquire — II. WHAT ARE THE INSTRUCTIVE AND PRACTICAL INFERENCES WHICH WE SHOULD DEDUCE FROM THESE VIEWS OF THE GOSPEL. 1. That the ministry of the gospel ought to be so conducted as to secure, as much as possible, this important object of discrimination and detection. 2. Every hearer of the gospel should feel constrained to bring home to his own heart the great test of character. 3, How greatly to be loved and prized is that gospel, which can give hope to the sinner even on the detection of his guilt and danger. (H. F. Burder, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; |
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